SALEM, Ore. — After 56 years, a local camp offering young people access to outdoor activities is at risk of closing. The Oregon 4-H Center in West Salem, which spans over 300 acres, is facing closure after Oregon State University announced it could no longer manage the property. Leaders of a local nonprofit decided to step up and purchase the land.
The only roadblock is that the nonprofit still needs to raise $300,000 in just one month to seal the deal. Fun, nature and meeting kids from other areas are at the core of the camp at the Oregon 4-H Center. For nearly six decades, children have returned year after year to indulge in activities such as canoeing, archery, swimming and horseback riding.
Chuck Packard, who was once a camper, now leads the Zack Packard Foundation, which raises scholarship money for children to attend the camp. The foundation was established by Zack’s parents after he passed away in a swimming accident in 2017.
"There are only so many opportunities for kids to get into the woods and nature, whether for education or just to get away. We found that these opportunities don’t exist, and we felt it necessary to fight for this place," Packard said.
Packard is fighting because Oregon State University, which usually operates the camp, announced this fall that it could no longer keep the camp afloat. Citing a lack of resources to host camps, retreats and educational programs serving more than 4,000 young people annually, the university offered the property to organizations interested in continuing the camp’s legacy — with the Zack Packard Foundation winning the bid unanimously.
"Our agreement was a $600,000 down payment by Sept. 10, which was 90 days. That’s been a big task for us," Packard said. So far, the foundation has raised $300,000, but they are concerned they won't be able to raise the remaining amount by the deadline.
"Because we've had to run the camp and fundraise for the property simultaneously, it’s been challenging," Packard said. "Now, we are looking to the community for support."
"If camps may never happen here again, it’s all on our shoulders, and we’re taking on a big task. We’ve told as many people as possible. We know how to run camps, ensure youth safety, and provide education and fun," Packard said.
If the signing day goes well, the Oregon 4-H Center will be renamed the Oregon Outdoor Education Center.
To donate and help keep the Oregon 4-H Center open, visit zackpackard.com.